Kindergarten
We are excited to be a part of your first year at West Wing School! We will be learning so much together. We will focus on building our literacy skills so we can become great readers and writers. We will also explore many math concepts including: counting to 100, writing numbers, addition and subtraction within 20, measuring, shapes and place value. It will be an amazing year of learning!
Grade Level Information
Schedule
Curriculum
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Curriculum Overview
Curriculum in all of the kindergarten classrooms follows the Deer Valley Curriculum Guides & Common Core State Standards. While our kindergarten team enjoys working and planning together, naturally, each teacher will do what reflects the individual needs and personalities of the students in the class. We will have a great year conquering new challenges together.
Reading
Children read when they are ready to read whether it be when they are 4,5 or 6. All of these ages are in the norm. Your child will be involved in a variety of reading experiences, including whole-group, small group, shared and guided reading. These reading groups will help us provide a more individualized instruction to help meet the needs of all children. Small Reading Groups will meet 5 days a week in a Literacy Center format for 60 minutes. Whole group instruction will be teacher directed for 30 minutes each day. Students are grouped and regrouped according to their own instructional needs. In kindergarten we will teach letter recognition, letter sounds and letter formation using a phonemic approach. Our goal in kindergarten will be to get your student ready to read, not necessarily reading, although most will be reading by the end of the year. However, please remember that reading is a developmental skill and that each child develops that skill at their own pace. We will be sure to challenge each child at their level of reading development. We would really like to encourage you to read to and with your child each and every night. This is essential for your child's progress in reading.
** Each year it becomes more and more clear to us how important reading each day is to every child. To us, as teachers, it is painfully obvious which children do not get read to on a daily basis. We will be using thethe Into Reading Materials for our Reading Program in Deer Valley.
Writing
The children will have many opportunities to write in kindergarten. Writing activities help children to understand that the purpose of written language is to communicate meaning. One of the many writing experiences we will have in kindergarten is journal writing.
Handwriting
Handwriting will be taught in conjunction with letter recognition and sounds. In order to give your child a head start please teach them to write their name in both upper and lower case letters, i.e. Sue Smith During writing your child will be shown how to hold a pencil and how to use scissors correctly, please practice this at home too. If your child does not have a conventional pencil grip your child’s teacher(s) may meet with you to encourage even more practice at home, the quicker we can get all children to hold the pencil correctly the more they will experience success this year.
Math
We using iReady Math to teach Arizona math standards. We use many manipulatives in our classrooms- pattern blocks, unifix cubes, geo boards, scales, dominoes, counters of various shapes and sizes, magnetic letters & numbers, linking cubes, dice etc. We will work on counting, comparing, addition, subtraction, composing & decomposing numbers, sorting, classifying, identifying numbers and reading number words, geometry and number concepts throughout the year.
Science
We will be using the district adopted Science program. This program focuses on animals, weather, seasons and plants . The program is a very hands on approach to teaching science. Due to the hands-on nature of this program, we will occasionally need volunteers to assist with experiments and discovery.
Social Studies
In social studies we will explore and discuss some of the following themes
“Community Helpers”, “Relationships”, “Cultural Awareness”, “Symbols of our Country
Technology
The children will be using technology on a regular basis. We will be using the internet to enhance our instruction by exploring web sites that support our curriculum. We will also send information home to parents via e-mail and would like to encourage parents to communicate with us through email also. The children will be learning to use a variety of software programs and apps. We will be using iPads in the classrooms.
AI:
K-8 Syllabus Statement after careful consideration and in alignment with the developmental needs of our students and the children’s online privacy protection act (coppa), dvusd has determined that the use of large language models (llms), such as chatgpt, are not suitable for students in grades k-8 (under 13 years of age) and will not be utilized or endorsed in academic contexts.
Expectations
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All Things EQ!
We have this amazing character education program for our students at West Wing called All Things EQ.
Click on the link to see more.... All Things EQ.
Love and Logic Approach
The philosophy of Love and Logic is to regain control in stressful situations, equalize emotions and build more harmonious relationships. The keys to implementation are empathy and communicating that you care for and value the other person.
Supply List
Kindergarten Supply List 2024-2025
Community items: (Do not label with name as these will be shared)
6 Giant Elmer’s glue sticks (Solid/NO Gel)
1 Packages of 4 EXPO THIN BLACK dry erase markers
5 Boxes (24 count) of Crayola Crayons (not chunky)
1 Jumbo Bag (2 and half gallon bag) for library book
1 Box tissues
1 12ct Sidewalk Chalk
GIRLS ONLY:
1 - 10 count of thin Crayola markers
1-roll Paper Towels
2 - Pink erasers
BOYS ONLY:
1 – Clorox Wipes
1 - 10 count box of regular Crayola markers
1-package of 4 highlighters
Individual items; Please label with your child’s name
1 Primary handwriting sketchbook (blank on top and lines on bottom)
*(You can find them at dollar store, Walmart, Office Depot and Teaching and Learning Stuff)
1- Plastic pocket folder of your own choice (homework folder)
1- Yellow plastic folder with brads
1- Pair scissors (Fiskar Brand -no plastic ones)
1-White Board Eraser
1- Backpack (please no rolling ones)
Kindergarten Wish List Items (voluntary only):
(Feel free to help out as you can)
Pump Soap Scotch Brand Laminating Sheets Band Aides
Gallon ZipLock Bags Pump Hand Sanitizer
Parent Testimonials
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From Stephanie Sweezer, West Wing Parent
West Wing kinder program is truly one of the best. We heard nothing but great things about it and it did not disappoint. Our daughter grew not only academically but socially in the best way. The teachers treat our kids like their own and care about each one of them. We were blown away at the abilities she possessed throughout the year and by the end, she was well on her way to reading. We couldn’t have asked for a better teacher than Ms Hopson. I volunteered in her class throughout the year and loved being a part of her classroom dynamic. Her genuine admiration for her kids speaks volumes and we were so sad when the year came to an end. We are excited for our son to have the same experience this upcoming school year!
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From Hanna Harrison, West Wing ParentThe tenure of the kinder team makes it feel like a family. The way all 4 of them get along so well, collaborate, and communicate so well with the parents is very special. It gives me confidence as a parent that my kids are part of a well-organized operation that’s truly maximizing its time with my child. I’ve had two kids go through kindergarten at West Wing. They’ve both grown in their confidence, executive function/general organization, and social skills, They came home more curious and enchanted with the world every day. One did, one didn’t. The one who didn’t, I’d pin more on my kid’s lack of attention and my own failure to practice with them. My kids have had me as a stay-at-home mom their entire childhood. I’ve always been their main caregiver. Going to full-day kinder was a big step away from home and I had to trust their teacher to partner with me as a main caregiver. They proved trustworthy, loving, and so caring toward my kids.
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From Brittnee Reed, West Wing ParentWe are forever grateful for both of our children’s kindergarten education at West Wing School. Our son and our daughter were both reading quickly, gained tremendous number sense, and most importantly, discovered an overall love of learning. They had immediate access to technology, which offered personalized learning and data-driven instruction. The Kindergarten teachers do an outstanding job of developing a community of well-rounded learners who are more than prepared for their next chapter.
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From Krystal Wilkinson, West Wing ParentThe teachers are really what made kindergarten so special. It is widely known that all the kindergarten teachers at West Wing pour their hearts into teaching these children. I have two children and they have very different personalities. Both of them grew so much in kindergarten because their teacher saw what they needed specifically to help them succeed and adapted to their specific needs. I truly believe that their teacher made all the difference in their growth. My daughter struggled a bit to read and she was able to get extra help that helped her learn to read. Reading is her favorite subject now. My son excelled in reading and was able to go with a small group to a more advanced reading class to meet his needs. Ms. Trefzger has made a huge impact on how my children have grown. She really adapts to each child and meets their specific needs. Both of my children had the best kindergarten experience along with us as parents. She really made the whole kindergarten experience so special. We are so grateful to her and the other kindergarten teachers.
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From Abby Patterson, West Wing ParentTessa loved Kindergarten at West Wing! She loved Mrs. Hopson! I stayed home with my daughter and struggled with picking a school. Within a few days, I knew West Wing was the right choice! Her teacher was so caring and loving! She now picks up a book and says “I can read it to you now mama.” I used to be a teacher and I would recommend West Wing to all my friends! The school is amazing!!
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From Izabella, West Wing ParentThe kindergarten program at West Wing is amazing-from the warm greeting at the drop-off, to the classroom excellence, to the sweet "see you tomorrow" at the pick-up line. The kindergarten teachers are all amazing and make learning fun. They set their students up for success by engaging each child at their own independent levels. Mrs. Stevenson was my son's teacher. In a matter of a few months, my son learned how to read and now loves to read books to his baby brother. He also discovered that he loves math and is very good with numbers. His teacher took great care in ensuring my son is ready to tackle first grade and excel in it. I highly recommend the kindergarten program at West Wing School.
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From Danielle, West Wing ParentWe have had 2 girls go through Kinder at West Wing and we could not have asked for a better experience. We are on open enrollment with West Wing and am so glad we chose this school. The 4 Kinder teachers are amazing and really treat the kids as if they were their own. They truly love each and every one of them. We were blessed to have Mrs Hopson for both our girls and she is one of the best! Our girls grew not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. They got to experience music, art, PE, and library every week. They got to use technology on a regular basis as well. By the end of the year, both girls were able to read!
We highly recommend West Wing to anyone looking for a school for their Kindergartner!
From Tasha Stewart, West Wing Parent
Kinder at West Wing was so special because of the time each teacher had to love both the children and their families. Kinder is such a hard transition for families. My child grew so much in that first year. Not only academically, but socially and emotionally. That year and the time Ms T poured into her was pivotal in who she is today. When my kid graduated Kinder, she wasn’t only able to read but she also actually enjoyed it!! Ms T is an incredible teacher! Still to this day, my daughter seeks her out at school. She made both her and I feel safe and special. She’s so patient and offers such a wonderful learning environment for the kids.
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From Jen Lenhart, West Wing ParentMy family is on open enrollment in order to attend West Wing. I have 4 children 3 will be attending West Wing in the fall. 1 in first grade, 1 in Kindergarten, and 1 in developmental pre school. The youngest is not yet 2. We have always heard such wonderful things from our friends whose children attend West Wing. We were so thrilled with our experience at west wing last year. 2 in preschool with Mrs P and 1 in Kindergarten with Mrs. T. Because of our experiences we decided to take ourselves off of the waitlist at private schools because we were really impressed with the education they received and how they learned to interact with peers socially.
Mrs. T and the kindergarten program were beyond expectations. Mrs T helped to challenge my daughter in all her academic skills. My daughter was able to attend gifted sessions in Math and reading. She had such a special relationship with her teacher and her teacher instilled confidence and challenged her to keep striving to learn and grow each day. We are so hopeful my son also receives the opportunity as well to learn from Mrs T. My kindergartener grew in her social skills, she made friends, she was able to connect more directly with her peers, it was helpful that the class sizes were not overwhelming. She came home every day so excited to do her homework and each monthly packet had special notes from her teacher on how to challenge her.
My kindergarten knew some sight words at the start of her school year and by the end was reading books above her grade level! The kindergarten teachers were so wonderful in teaching her to love to read and learn.
Mrs. T has been a wonderful role model, educator, and mentor to my child. She has made a lasting impact on her and we could not have been more thankful to have her help us raise our child. I hope my son is able to learn from Mrs. T as well this school year. We have been so thankful for West Wing and are looking forward to the fall school year!
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From Rebecca Stevens, West Wing Parent
I’m currently a parent of a 7th grader. We have been at West Wing since kindergarten and I can honestly say that our experience at this school has exceeded our expectations.
We attended kindergarten in 2017 and my child has flourished since then. We had Ms. VandeBerg and she was great with our daughter. She learned how to read, excelled in learning all of her sight words, and still sings the month of the year song she learned. 😊
We saw so much growth in her that first year, in both her learning and social skills. We are so grateful! She still sees her kinder teacher on campus and is always there to give a hug or a high five. I highly recommend West Wing to anyone considering a school for their kindergartener.
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From Tana Reischl, West Wing Parent
I’ve been a parent at West Wing for 7 years. Currently, I have two daughters at the school in fourth and sixth grade. Their kinder year will always be one we all remember. Not only did they learn so much academically, but they also got to be involved in such an amazing community that the Kinder teachers foster. The Kinder team is incredible! They have taught together for countless years and are known to be some of the best teachers on campus. West Wing is a special school because of the family-style feel it encompasses and this type of culture is developed when the students start in kinder. We love our experience at West Wing and would 100% recommend it.